Hamas officially reacted to a US-supported Gaza ceasefire initiative, demanding crucial amendments to obtain a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian access. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff immediately dismissed the reaction, branding it “totally unacceptable” and blaming Hamas for sabotaging progress.
The stalemate now jeopardizes new optimism to end the war, free hostages, and bring life-saving assistance to millions in Gaza. As negotiations teeter on the brink, the humanitarian emergency in Gaza worsens and global pressure builds on both sides.
Hamas Demands Major Revisions
Hamas indicated it would release 10 surviving Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 others in return for Palestinian detainees. But Hamas also insisted on a full Israeli pullout from Gaza and a guaranteed ceasefire—the conditions Israel refuses. Hamas’s senior official called the reaction “positive” and said his group would only accept minor modifications to the proposal.
But Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Hamas still refuses the agreement. PM Netanyahu said Israel would continue to pursue military action against Hamas with the aim of defeating Hamas and freeing the remaining hostages.
Document Details Hamas Conditions
Hamas document, contains a number of demands. It demands free movement of residents of Gaza via the Rafah crossing and complete reopening of goods transit. It further demands reconstruction of infrastructure like water, electricity, and sanitation networks.
Hamas demands approval to import material to refurbish hospitals, schools, and bakeries. Delivery of aid would be done under the watchful eyes of the United Nations, Red Crescent, and other impartial agencies.
Trump’s Role and Ceasefire Plan
In the proposed agreement, President Trump would himself declare the ceasefire. The accord, supported by Egypt and Qatar, provides for a 60-day ceasefire. Hamas would hand over 28 hostages in stages for the return of 1,200 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel, in turn, would halt all military activities throughout the duration of the ceasefire. Humanitarian assistance would flow into Gaza during that time. Hamas also insists that the pact result in a lasting ceasefire, not merely a temporary cease-fire.
Witkoff and Israel Reject Revisions
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff openly denounced Hamas’s reaction. On X (formerly Twitter), he stated the edits “take us backward” and called for Hamas to embrace the original proposal.
PM Netanyahu again affirmed that Israel had accepted the initial offer and faulted Hamas for slowing down negotiations. Hamas, in turn, accused Witkoff of undue pro-Israeli bias and of not rejecting the ceasefire outline.
Israeli Offensive Rises
On Saturday, Israel confirmed the death of Mohammad Sinwar,Hamas’s Gaza chief, in an airstrike on a hospital on May 13. He was Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, who had organized the October 2023 attacks.
Israel continues to target Hamas operatives and facilities, including weapons caches and sniper positions. Consequently, Gaza’s two million population has tighter confinement in dwindling safe areas, primarily around Khan Younis.
Gaza Confronts Deteriorating Humanitarian Crisis
Humanitarian groups say Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is at breaking point. The Israeli blockade, ordered since March, has starved the population. Armed groups took over World Food Programme trucks loaded with flour to bakeries on Saturday. The WFP reported that people were too desperate to miss out on food.
The United Nations described the situation as the worst since the fighting started 19 months ago. Philippe Lazzarini, the director of the UN’s Palestinian relief agency, stated that the restricted aid permitted in “is making a mockery” of the calamity unfolding.
Aid Distribution Problems Persist
Israel permits a few food trucks and supported another US-supported mechanism operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). However, global aid organizations are not willing to work with GHF, citing it as non-neutral. They say the present scale of aid is far from what is needed to avert famine.
Israel does not admit starving Gaza and accuses Hamas of robbing and diverting aid. Hamas denies the charge and reports it has prosecuted suspected looters.
War Background and Casualty
Israel initiated its offensive following Hamas’s October 7 southern Israel attack that killed 1,200 individuals and resulted in 251 hostages. Israel’s war effort has since pummeled the Gaza Strip, taking more than 54,000 Palestinian lives and razing most infrastructure. An overwhelming majority of residents exist in makeshift shelters, reliant on dwindling humanitarian aid.
President Trump is still hopeful for a brokered ceasefire. But if Hamas and Israel can’t find common ground on fundamental issues—such as troop withdrawal, hostage swaps, and access to aid—the war will continue to burn. While talks fail, civilians die, and Gaza’s humanitarian disaster deepens.
